Club Review : ‘Legends’ Heats Up in Ojai

Mineral springs, jazz and thou: the perfect date.

Although Wheeler Hot Springs in Ojai has been bubbling for 103 years, the “Legends of Jazz” series being offered in the venue’s supper club has heated the place up considerably. Live jazz is featured Thursday through Sunday. Weeknight reservations are easier to come by, but the “Legends” series on Sunday evenings is worth calling ahead for. With a remarkable lineup of jazz greats, the semi-monthly program is the ultimate setting for a dream date because, like, Calgon, it takes you away.

A raised stage at one end of the quaint, rustic restaurant is the evening’s focal point. April’s guests included trumpeter Harry (Sweets) Edison and guitarist Herb Ellis playing with pianist Roger Kellaway.

A series of French doors behind the stage enable you to look out toward the mountain landscape, and because many of the artists are famous from an earlier era, the whole evening feels far more special than the usual supper club fare.

“It’s wonderful to be up at this place,” noted Edison during a recent performance. “With me, at my age, it’s wonderful to be anyplace.”

* Wheeler Hot Springs, 16826 Maricopa Highway (Highway 33), advance reservations required . (800) 227-9292. Dinner and jazz on Sundays, $50 per person.